Manchester City have been offered hope in their ongoing pursuit of Jorginho, with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealing that he expects a long-running saga to be “settled soon”.
Efforts to get a deal over the line have been stepped up over recent weeks, with a €50 million (£44m/$58m) approach being knocked back.
Napoli have refused to lower their demands throughout lengthy negotiations, as they seek to retain the services of a prized asset, with it suggested that talks could drag on towards deadline day.
De Laurentiis has, however, hinted that an end is in sight, telling Corriere dello Sport: Jorginho? I spoke about him with Manchester City and now [sporting director] Giuntoli is in contact with them.
“There is a good chance that everything is settled soon.”
While the exit doors may be about to swing open for Jorginho, the same cannot be said for Marek Hamsik.
The long-serving Napoli captain had been expected to complete a move to China this summer, but no formal approach has been made as yet.
De Laurentiis added: “Hamsik was at my house in Venglos and he told me I would be contacted by a Chinese club. No one contacted me.”
Napoli will be eager to see the transfer picture become a little clearer over the coming weeks, with new boss Carlo Ancelotti needing to know who will be at his disposal for 2018-19 before further recruitment plans are drawn up.